FRIDAY 12 DECEMBER: Your essential weekly guide to what’s on in Jervis Bay, whether you’re after dinner and dancing, local markets, fresh art shows, community events or live music Sunday Sessions, we have everything you need to plan your ultimate weekend – once the skies clear! There is still time to sign up for the Santa Ride to raise funds for the Husky RFS.
Friday 12 December, Retro Party at the Wharf: DJ Zanin will spin fave tunes from the 80s and 90s tonight at Fishermens Wharf on the waterfront at Huskisson, from 8.30pm till late. The venue is closed before that for a private function, but opens again for drop-in dining and dancing as the skies clear from the afternoon’s thunderstorms.
Saturday 13 December, Artfulmind Gallery Shop: Experience around 150 works from more than a dozen of the region’s finest local artists and makers at a special open day of the Artfulmind Gallery Shop in Erowal Bay, 11am-4pm this Saturday (and also on Saturday 20 December). Curated and hosted by Dr Natalie McDonagh and supported by Arts Muster, the gallery is full of delightful creations – from wearable art to wall-hung art, from paper, driftwood and stone to ceramics and textiles, there is a treasure trove to browse and buy. If you are still looking for the perfect gift, you will find something here. Read more about the Gallery. To rsvp for details about how to visit, email natalie@artsmuster.com.au or DM.
Saturday 13 December, Summertime Exhibition: Head to Culburra to see an exhibition by the Shoalhaven plein air painters and friends, Summertime, now on at The Common South Coast. From boats and birds to bikini bottoms, these works are all for sale and best enjoyed with a beverage in hand from the bar at The Common, open Thursday to Sunday.
Saturday 13 December, Bottomless at Bud’s: If you love bao buns and Long Island cocktails, book in to the next Bottomless event at Bud’s Tavern in Huskisson for a two-hour sitting, 2.30pm-4.30pm to enjoy your fill of karaage chicken, vegan sweet & sour tofu and a gf option, all for $75. Reservations are essential.
Saturday 13 December, Santa Ride for RFS: Dust off your Santa Suit and sign up to cycle in the 20th Santa Ride raising vital funds for the Huskisson Rural Fire Service. Read our story on the fantastic impact the money raised has contributed for our community.
Saturday 13 December, Celebrate Young Musicians: The Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra is performing an end-of-year recital at the Nowra School of Arts. Conducted by Adele Masters and Jacob Antonio, the concert will feature the Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra, the Shoalhaven Junior Strings and, by special invitation, the Nowra Christian School Junior String Ensemble. Show your support for these up-and-coming players, from 4pm, tickets are $25/$20.
Saturday 13 December, Xmas Pre-order Deadline at Old Salt: If you want a chef-prepared Christmas feast on your table come 25 December, this is the cut-off date to order from the special menu at Old Salt Distillery. Any order no matter how small from the Christmas menu also gets you 10% off their beverages.
Saturday 13 December, Markets on Today: Despite a forecast for a few showers, it should be a warm day and perfect to browse a local market near you. On the northern side of Jervis Bay, the Callala Community Markets will be on from 8am-1pm at the community centre on Emmett Street. Further south, wandering through the stalls with a coffee in hand is the perfect start to the day, at the Sussex Inlet markets at the Ellmoos Centre grounds and the Lions Club Peace Park 8.30am-12.30pm.
Sunday 14 December, More Markets, On Today: The weather should be fine and hot for the final Huskisson Markets of the year, in the sports fields on the northern fringe of the village. Expect a full turnout for this popular markets, with around 100 stalls including great coffee and breakfast options to enjoy while you’re there, 8am-2pm.
Kangaroo Valley Farmers Market is a great way to support local agriculture, healthier communities and more sustainable food choices direct from the growers. Meat, fruit, vegetables, herbs, eggs, jams, pickles, pastries, and more. Behind The Friendly Inn from 9am-1pm, don’t forget your shopping bags and stock up on delicious produce for your Christmas table.
Harbour Market Day is hosted by Marine Rescue Ulladulla along the picturesque waterfront of Ulladulla’s working harbour. It’s an important fundraising channel for the organisation that helps keep their radio monitoring and rescue vessels operational. Visit the markets this Sunday 8am-1pm.
Sunday 14 December, Sunday Sessions, Live Music Across the South Coast: Start with an unforgettable afternoon of live music from The Specialties, playing at Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla. With a unique spin on classic blues, jazz, rockabilly and soul, the band features some of Sydney’s finest musicians.
Then head to Jervis Bay Brewing Co where the hypnotic reggae beats of Benji Fowler will smooth your afternoon from 4pm. Known for his band, Benji & the Saltwater Sound System, as a solo performer his beautifully poignant lyrics and prowess for songwriting are magnetic.
For sunset cocktails and a sweet soundtrack, head to the rooftop bar at Bannisters Pavilion in Mollymook. This Sunday from 5pm, Alex Clark is setting the vibe.
What’s On This Week
Tuesday 16 December, Taco Tuesday in Vincentia: The Local cafe in the Burton Street shopping village is turning out sensational Taco Tuesdays with hand-held beauties flying out the door from 4.30pm every Tuesday. To make sure you don’t miss out on the final one for 2025, use this pre-order link.
Thursday 18 December, Dancing Freedom: Tomerong Hall is the location for the final Conscious Dance & Sound Healing event for the year, where you can move your body to the tribal and trance soundtrack that takes you on a journey through the elements. Then find a comfortable position to be bathed in the vibrations of a sound bath. This is an alcohol-free event for ages 16+, 25 online or $30 cash on the door (please bring correct money).
Friday 19 December, Small Biz Networking: The Greenhouse co-working space in Huskisson is hosting a very special Bubbles, Beers & Business networking evening to bring Christmas cheer to the sole traders and micro businesses of the Bay & Basin. This catered event is sponsored by the Huskisson Chamber of Commerce. Please bring along an unwrapped present or gift card to place under the Giving Tree, for kids supported by SAHSSI this season. RSVP for this free gathering via this link.
Friday 19 December, The Castaways at Fishermens Wharf: Spend an evening with one of the South Coast’s most admired country/folk duo, The Castaways, in a very appropriate location waterside at Fishermens Wharf Huskisson. The tunes will be flowing during the twilight hours, 5.30-8.30pm and you can book your favourite table on 02 4441 6964 or fishermenswharf@jervisbaywild.com.au.
Saturday 20 December, Yoga at Worrowing: New yoga classes are now on in a stunning new venue at Worrowing called Melaleuca, including an 8am vinyasa flow on Saturday with Mary Baseler. Classes start at $25 and can be booked online. Expect future classes to be on Fridays at 6am for sunrise flow, Saturdays at 8am for vinyasa flow ( first and third Saturdays of the month), and Sunday 4pm for restorative yoga. Also coming soon, one-off yoga and sound healing events. We will bring you the details.
Sunday 21 December, Irish Slow Sessions in Vincentia: Join a casual gathering of local musicians to play traditional Irish music and songs at a “beginner” pace, with sheet music provided. For final session of 2025, the venue is The Hub, shop 14 Vincentia Village, generously hosted by Vincentia Connections. BYO snacks and drinks and be there for a 3pm start. There are plenty of chairs and tables in The Hub. All skill levels and all instruments are welcome, singers are welcome and lyrics are provided, or simply come along to enjoy the ambience.
Plan Ahead
Thursday 25 December, Jervis Bay Portrait Prize Open for Entries: Fair warning to start creating a portrait of a Shoalhaven resident by any artist, to enter into the inaugural Jervis Bay Portrait Prize. There’s plenty of time to choose your subject, gather your materials including a 30x30cm canvas, and get started. Entries will be $30, and more details are to come on the venue and prizes for the final show. This portrait prize is being organised by Randall Sinnamon, Scribbly Studio and Vanessa Harries, who is available for questions via email, vjharries@gmail.com.
Wednesday 31 December, Make Plans for NYE: Read our story by Hospitality Editor Narrell Tabone for the hottest tickets in Huskisson this New Year’s Eve.
